Thanks for the insight guys. I ended up using the lynch pins similar to what Reconlon is using and they've been working well despite some surface corrosion on the pins. Ended up buying a few after I lost the factory pin that my Hobie Trax 2 cart came with. After 4 months of abuse, I'm still using the first set of lynch pins I installed.

Back to wheeling your loaded TI through the sand. I haven't tried pulling my TI through soft sand yet; but, it'll just be a matter of time - i.e. Hookena launch. I'm thinking, will using a pair of Hobie Trax 2 carts help? Figure you can offset the load better with two carts.

I've been carting my TI through a rocky shoreline. I'm not at my most graceful when pulling over rocks but it goes. Noticed my cart's axle is taking some major abuse and will have to rethink or fortify the design before it falls off. Maybe taller tires perhaps. So far so good for now.

cliffs2yak

Note, I edited this post to change Wheelez cart to a Hobie Trax 2 cart. I own a Hobie Trax 2 cart and got it mixed up with a Wheelez cart. Apologies for any confusion.

Last edited by cliffs2yak on Sun Oct 17, 2010 11:32 am, edited 1 time in total.

With the heavier kayaks like the TI and carting it through rough terrain, not so sure if going with the smaller axle is a good idea. I was hoping designs would go the other way and strengthen their original design.

Hmmm... this isn't helping my headache! I'd like to know when Hobie increased the axle diameter? It was always 1/2" on both carts but the standard and HD used hollow tube and Trax used solid bar.The hub reducer sleeve made it look it look larger but it was just a sleeve slipped over the 1/2" tube axle. Also when did the Trax2 ever have pins? The balloon wheels always had a quick release built into the hub.I agree with c2y in that a stronger scupper cart is required. I haven't had any axle problems but the welds keep cracking. Even my new Trax2 which has only been used on short distances about a dozen times with the TI has developed cracks in the welds around the upright tubes. Maybe thicker walled tubing should be considered? A stronger cart with better welding is long overdue Hobie!

Stringy, you might find this interesting: Tastech Terminator AI wheelcart. Tas designed these with input from Josh 'Yakass' Holmes - and knowing Josh, this would have to be bullet proof! A model for the TI is in the works, I believe.

Those Tastech carts look pretty solid. I wondering if it would be possible to extend the axle out a bit so you can run an extra pair of HD tires - kind of like a dually cart setup. This way you have the option to increase the cart's footprint in soft sand.

Thanks. I think the idea of going with a pair of HD tires on both sides of the cart is kinda out there for now. But will follow Yakass's tread on the Tas carts. Hopefully, I'll have a stronger cart option before my Hobie cart falls apart.

I have been using the C-Tug to avoid getting wet when retrieving the TI in the Winter months. I find it difficult to insert the Trax2 scupper cart in the middle scupper without getting soaked. The C-Tug can be slid under the hull easily by 2 people standing either side of the kayak using the cart straps but it works best using the double cart method. At the ramp I lift the rear of the TI and my wife fits the Trax into the rear scuppers. Then I float the TI out a bit, turn it around and we slide the C-Tug under the bow. This way you have very little weight on the bow handle. I wouldn't like to wheel it a long way though as the pads don't conform to the shape of the hull and the cart can move around a bit even with the straps up tight. The C-Tug is a clever design, is well made and very strong. It breaks down in seconds and can be stored easily in the hull. Despite these advantages I don't regard the C-Tug as a replacement for the scupper cart. It works best in combination with the scupper cart. My cart of choice is definitely the Trax2 fitted with pneumatic tyres (despite the odd cracking weld ). The keeper pin in the latest Hobie carts is a big plus when sliding the TI off the trailer, the scupper cart stays put and loads only the scuppers (the strongest part of the hull).

The C-Tug looks pretty solid. And I like how it incorporates an arch into its axle design giving it more clearance in rocky terrain. Perhaps a saddle and pegs can be retrofitted to improve its use/hold with scupper holes.

The TI has 2 sets of cart friendly scupper holes, correct? Both found behind the rear Aka? (AI has but one)

With the Amas folded back, and a cart inserted in each position, this seems like a nice state of balance when hauling from the bow. Whereas the C-TUG would likely be positioned ahead of the front Aka creating a longer wheelbase... Is this the case?

I've been using the scuppers behind the rear seat and forgot about using the one located nearest to midship. I transport my TI on my truck racks with my cart installed. I found having the cart plugged into the scupper fartest aft helped while unloading. But it's not the easiest when trying to maneuver the length of the TI.

Heading out today and will install the cart more midship and report back.